A Winning Perspective: My Journey to Regionals and on to Pony Club Showjumping Nationals as Team Groom
In Pony Club, few experiences are as thrilling as competing at the Regional Finals and Pony Club Nationals. These are big events on my Pony Club "to-do" list. I think being competitive is healthy as long as you focus on your own journey.
These events bring together young riders from all over the north of the Province for Regionals and for Nationals the whole country, each trying to do their best. For me, it was a goal accomplished, an opportunity I had worked for. However, I soon discovered that not everyone's experience was as wonderful as mine. Today, I want to share my incredible journey to the Pony Club Showjumping Nationals and emphasize the importance of gratitude in the face of adversity.
Facing Challenges
While my experience at Pony Club Showjumping Nationals was memorable and positive, I couldn't help but notice that not everyone shared my sentiments. Some Pony Club members faced obstacles, whether something out of their control or not meeting their expectations. It was disheartening to see the disappointment they experienced.
Choosing Gratitude
In moments like these, we should be aware of the power of gratitude. Instead of dwelling on our experiences' negative aspects, we can focus on the positives. Every PC member at Nationals had an opportunity that many can only dream of. We competed on a national stage, surrounded by supportive peers and mentors who shared our love for horses.
Gratitude doesn't take away the challenges we face; it simply helps us put things into perspective. It reminds us that even in the face of setbacks, we are still incredibly fortunate to be pursuing our passion. We also have the support of our Region to send us on these experiences and give us the chance to grow as mature future leaders in our sport.
My journey to Pony Club Showjumping Nationals was an experience I will forever remember. I was part of the Alberta North Region Team, and I am so glad I got to go and learn from Kim and Danica. It was a great learning opportunity. My pony club friends Lina, Claire and Danae were also allowed to travel with us as grooms for other provinces!
This trip taught me the importance of gratitude for our successes and the challenges we encountered along the way. Every PC kid who participated in the competition, regardless of their performance, was a winner.
When we chase our dreams and goals and face the ups and downs of life, we should remember the power of gratitude. By focusing on the good parts of our experiences, we can find joy, growth, and fulfillment in even the most hard things. In the end, it's not just about the destination but also about the incredible journey we take to get there.
Thank you to everyone who brought lessons, laughter and love to my summer! And a huge thank you to the ANR for allowing me to travel to BC!
I applaud you, Dolly, for focusing on gratitude over sharing your accomplishments. It is so easy to share how well we have done something instead of what we should be grateful for. You are an exemplary young lady!